God fearing though Cornelius and his household were when Peter arrived, they were yet unconverted. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon these Gentiles was an outward evidence to prove to Peter, the six witnesses he took with him, and other more sceptical Jews that once they were granted repentance unto life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit was given unto them, that God had worked in the hearts of these Gentiles and astonishing though it was, Gentiles had been accepted by God into the church.
What lessons can we learn from this account? The passage helps us understand the need for Mission, it testifies to us of the fact that the Spirit is at work in our hearts before we are saved, once again it emphasises the place of preaching in God's way of working. It also suggests to us that we can be so near ‘the Kingdom' but yet not in it.
The gift of Tongues as at Pentecost, was given as a message to the Jews. Such inspired revelatory gifts, including prophecy, were given for a season. They were indeed a temporary function. Faith, Hope and Love abide. Today we, in one sense at least lack nothing. The Bible, God's revelation is complete.
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